Patrons
St. Philomena, powerful with God
Pope Pius IX entrusted the Children of Mary to the intercession of St. Philomena, a young virgin martyr, who gave her life in witness to Christ at the age of 13. Her body was discovered in the catecomb of St. Priscilla in 1802. Through her intercession, countless miracles have been worked throughout the world. Many other saints have had great devotion to St. Philomena and she has been honored by many Popes. St. Philomena is also venerated as the patron saint of youth and miracles. She reminds us that courage can be found in the young and that innocence is strength.
St. Catherine Labouré
As a young girl, Catherine chose the Virgin Mary to be her mother after her earthly mother died. As a young postulant, in 1830, Catherine received the mission to promulgate the Medal of the Immaculate Conception or the Miraculous Medal. It is this medal that we wear as a sign that we too have taken Mary to be our Mother.
Venerable Maria Teresa Quevedo
Teresita Quevedo is one of the most outstanding witnesses of the Marian life in modern times. As a young girl growing up in Spain in the 1930's and '40's she chose to consecrate her life to Jesus through Mary. As a Child of Mary she was determined to be a saint and chose the motto; "May alll who see me see you, O Mary". She excelled in everything but had a difficult time with her studies. A dancer, athelete and artist, Tere (as her friends called her) always found time for daily Mass. Everyday she prayed the Sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament. She entered religious life and died as a novice in 1950 at the age of 20.
St. Bernadette
It was to a teenager, Bernadette of Lourdes, that Our Lady revealed herself under the title of the Immaculate Conception in 1858. After the apparitions, Bernadette was enrolled as a Child of Mary and made her consecration before she entered religious life.
St. Therese of Liseaux - the Little Flower of Jesus
St. Therese's story is well known. She entered the Carmelite Cloister at the age of 15 and lived out her short life in secret prayer for priests and for the conversion of sinners. She promised that she would spend her Heaven doing good on earth: "I will let fall a shower of roses". Today she is recognized as a Doctor of the Church, the Patroness of Missions and with Joan of Arc, the secondary Patroness of France. Her 'Little Way' of confidence and trust is a model for us as Children of Mary.
